SOUNDEX

Translates a string expression (usually names) into a Soundex code - a 4 digit code consisting of 1 letter and 3 numbers.

The most familiar application of Soundex is its use by the US Bureau of the Census to create an index for individuals listed in the US census records after 1880.

Syntax

SOUNDEX(input_string)

input_string - string expression (or the reference to a cells) to be translated.

Remarks

All Soundex codes have 4 alphanumeric characters [no more, no less]

• 1 Letter and 3 Digits
• The Letter of the name is the first character of the Soundex code.
• The 3 digits are defined sequentially from the name using the Soundex Key below.
• Adjacent letters in the name which belong to the same Soundex Key code number are assigned a single digit. [See examples 2 and 3 below]
• If the end of the name is reached prior to filling 3 digits, use zeroes to complete the code.
• All codes have only 4 characters, even if the name is long enough to yield more.

 

[ ©2000-2001, Edwin H. B. Tam, All rights reserved ]